(Another) Powersteering Install VX LS1

[Scotty]

Nick and I attempted to install a PS Cooler on my SS before we head to Wakefield.

This job is much easier if the car is on some stands, firstly it allows extra room under the car, accessing the power steering fluid pipes under the car would be almost impossible if the car was sitting on it?s wheels, especially if your car has been lowered at all. So the first thing we did was to jack the front of the car up and lower it back onto a wheel stand on each side. It is wise to place a wedge behind the rear tyres just in case.

Next step is to remove the front bumper, there will be 2 screws on the inside front edge of each front wheel arch. Remove these screws. Open the bonnet and you will see 3 screws on top of the grill in between the headlights, remove these 3 screws. Depending on what front bumper you have there could be 2 further screws behind the number plate, you will need to remove the number plate to access these screws ? if you have them.

Once all of these screws have been removed the front bumper will come off. Start at each wheel arch and pull it off firmly but slowly.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler1.jpg

It is held on by a series of clips and some of them can be quite firm, don?t just rip it off but don?t be afraid to give it a bit of force, they can sometimes hold on pretty tight. Once the bumper is off you need to remove the front reinforcement car.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler2.jpg

This is held on by 3 bolts on each side. 2 of these bolts are on the outside of the bar (see Pic 1)and one is on the inside ?

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler2.jpg

they are all very easy to see. On the drivers side one of the bolts also holds on the horn, when you have the appropriate nut off just let the horn hang on it?s wire, or wire it up to some other part of the front if you would prefer.

When you look under the car you can just see the PS Cooler connection

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/cooler4.jpg

You need to remove a few bolts under the car for access. The sump guard is held in place by 4 large bolts, we only removed the front 2 and left it in place, you can remove all 4 and the guard completely if you wish. Once the front 2 bolts are removed from the sump guard you will need to remove the front plastic splash guard, there are 2 bolts holding this in,

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/cooler5.jpg

these bolts are tucked up behind the sump guard and should be obvious once the front of the sump guard has been lowered. When the bolts are out of the plastic splash guard it will slide out ? move it around a bit, it should become obvious how it comes out.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/cooler6.jpg

[Scotty]

Next, get an empty container to catch the old fluid. From under the car undo the hose clamps that attach the main return line tubes to the stock cooler. There is about 4 inches of existing hose attached to each that then connect to the factory cooler tube. Carefully pull the hoses from the main lines heading back to the steering box. The fluid will start to pour from both sides so make sure you don?t have your face underneath.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler7.JPG
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler8.JPG

On the front side there are 2 screws holding the factory cooler onto the vertical brackets, remove the screws and the factory cooling tube will just hang there.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler9.JPG

There is a long threaded screw holding the cooler to the chassis as it passes in behind the radiator. It was difficult to get this one out. We ended up loosening the screw with a closed end spanner, less than a quarter turn at a time, and then doing the rest with a tiny socket head we turned by hand.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/cooler10.jpg

Now the cooling loop can be removed. We pulled it out from the front with the short hoses still attached. There is not much room between the chassis and the plastic radiator shroud to let the hoses come through so you will need to cut a small amount off the bottom of the radiator shroud, this comes off very easily and then leaves room for the significantly larger aftermarket cooling tubes.

[Scotty]

Next job is to mount the core to the existing brackets. http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler11.JPG
We moved the brackets around a bit, there are numerous holes predrilled in the front of the car. We found 2 positions that lined up perfectly with the holes in the core. We used slightly larger bolts so needed to drill out both the brackets and the core.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler12.JPG

By drilling a small pilot hole first the drilling of the larger hole was very easy. When drilling out the core don?t drill straight through from one side, drill one side just enough to get through the outer lining and then flip it over and do the same on the other side.

When mounting on the brackets we put a few washers in to space the core out from the bracket a little. We mounted the core fairly low on the bracket so that it would sit under the reinforcement bar and get maximum air flow. Also not e that we put the core on the inside of the brackets so set it back from the bumper.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler13.JPG

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler14.JPG

Make sure you have the open end of the core loops facing the drivers side as that is the direction the hoses will head. We attached the hoses to the power steering lines under the car first, soak the hoses in boiling water to make it easier to push them over the lines. Also make sure you have slid your clamp over the hoses before you push them onto the lines. Once you have them on tighten the clamps, make sure they are sitting inside the bur on the lines, this will ensure the hoses cannot come off under pressure.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler15.JPG

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/cooler15a.jpg
Then feed the lines through the hole next to the radiator and trim them to the desired length, allow some slack when you are doing this.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler16.JPG
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler16a.JPG
Push the ends onto the core, remember the boiling water, again making sure the clamps are in place first, and then tighten the clamps on the core.

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler17.JPG
http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler18.JPG

[Scotty]

http://trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/cooler19.jpg

Before we refitted the bumper, we checked for leaks. Refill the power steering reservoir, it will take about 800ml (in a couple of goes). Start the car for a short period, and add some fluid as necessary. It is normal for the pump to make a noise when there is air in the system. We exercised the steering to the full extent of it's travel (numerous times) doing this fed the new fluid throughout the system. The car was still on stands, so this was easy. Only turn the wheel slowly or the fluid will splash out. Check fluid level and hose connections for leaks. Refit sump / splash guards, reinforcement bar (don?t forget the horn) and bumper.

http://trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/cooler20.jpg

http://www.trackchat.com.au/media/data/518/medium/cooler21.JPG

Road test and re-check fluid level.

[Scotty]

Power Steering Cooler $80
PS Fluid $20
Coke $2.40
Babysitting (marriage) very expensive:nutbag:...............:hide:

Spending Time with a mate working on a car
PRICELESS
:cheers::thumbs:

Thanks Nick

Thanks Sonny for supplying the cooler

[NickS]

That's a bloody brilliant write up Scotty ... you can never have too much detail !!! :stick:

Seriously, I hope this will be useful to some guys. It really is quite an easy job so don't be afraid of having a bash yourself. We went into this much detail because every other guide I read covered the main points but wasn't particularly detailed, this makes it hard when you aren't 100% sure on what fills the gaps.

It was good fun actually, might have to do the same to the GTS before I take it to Wakefield to try out the MRC. :up2sum:

[35R]

excellent post/contribution, well done Scotty.

[DaveHAT]

Top write up guys and very comprehensive. Fits very nicely... well done. :bow:

Gotta love the little screw that goes into the chassis, I recall inventing new swear words when I was trying to remove it.:headbang:

Good to see Nick had his safety feet/thongs on as well. :stick:

[NickS]

Good to see Nick had his safety feet/thongs on as well. :stick:

Duhhhhhh ... when the time came to kick the car and swear ... I put some shoes on :D

Anyway, I had my gloves on, the rest doesn't matter. Mr Safety ... that's me !!! :stick:

[DaveHAT]

Anyway, I had my gloves on, the rest doesn't matter. Mr Safety ... that's me !!! :stick:

Sonny has taught you well... gloveman.

Ah ha, so these were steel capped safety feet? :D :lol:

:waving:

[Ryzz]

Good write up there guys, but did it actually happen that easily? or was there really some cursing and kicking involved?

Question, did you have any screws left over at the end, if you dont have some left over your obviously doing something wrong :teach: :lol:

[NickS]

It really was that easy :yep:

No screws left over ... we are professionals after all. I needed to phone a friend once, the cooler came with instructions that were talking about a high pressure and a low pressure hose :confused: Quick call to Sonny to confirm both hoses were the same (on a Commodore anyway) and we were on our way.

There was a bit of swearing at the end actually ... I let the car down on Scotty's foot. :shock:

[seldo]

Congrats Scotty! What a great write-up. That just makes it so simple for someone to follow.
Top marks! :bravo:

[Sonny@AutoWerks]

Scotty,

Thats a brilliant write up ! and well done to you guys for giving it a go and doing a pro install :) :thumbs:

regards sonny

[BOMI]

Very detailed write up fellas, good stuff :thumbs:

The only thing I did different with mine was I left the bash plate in place and used AT fluid to lube up the end of the hose so it went on easier, but hot water is just as good.

Wish I had this install to look at when I did mine as it would have saved me a bit of time and frustration :headbang:


Again good stuff :)


Troy :)

[RedVYIISS]

what's the world comming to..... bloody accountants fitting P/S coolers...:flame:


(well done guys):eyes:

[NickS]

what's the world comming to..... bloody accountants fitting P/S coolers...:flame:

Next thing you know I'll be changing brakes & suspension ... wait a minute ... I've already done that :D

Everyone keeps congratulating Scotty on his brilliant write up, just thought I would point out that I WROTE IT !!! :lol: Scotty put it all together with the photos.

[BOMI]

Very detailed write up fellas, good stuff :thumbs:

The only thing I did different with mine was I left the bash plate in place and used AT fluid to lube up the end of the hose so it went on easier, but hot water is just as good.

Wish I had this install to look at when I did mine as it would have saved me a bit of time and frustration :headbang:


Again good stuff :)


Troy :)


I remembered you Nick it's all ok mate :whip: :lol:

[Aeron]

What a fantastic post!! This is another mod I'll add to my list.
Great detail and photos!! Im printing this one out :D
Where did you get the cooler from?

[scat2k3]

I have to do this mod myself at somestage.

With that writeup, even I am tempted to have a go at it :eyes:

Thats a great effort, well done Nick and Scotty.

Very cheap insurance too, I might add.

Cheers,

Scott

[NickS]

I have to do this mod myself at somestage.

With that writeup, even I am tempted to have a go at it :eyes:

Thats a great effort, well done Nick and Scotty.

Very cheap insurance too, I might add.

Cheers,

Scott

You have a member of team Marrano's living under your roof, how hard can it be !!!

Happily give you a hand on weekend if you want, I reckon we could knock it over in a about 2 hours.

[Scotty]

Everyone keeps congratulating Scotty on his brilliant write up, just thought I would point out that I WROTE IT !!! :lol: Scotty put it all together with the photos.

he he he... yes nick sent me the words and his pics and I put it together....

I did have to edit some words though... ones like will were changed to should... :)


what's the world comming to..... bloody accountants fitting P/S coolers...
Possibly better than a Project Manager doing it.... I am not used to actually doing the work... just telling people when and where...:up2sum:

[Scotty]

Happily give you a hand on weekend if you want, I reckon we could knock it over in a about 2 hours.

I will offer my PM services... all I will need is a camera and beer....

[scat2k3]

You have a member of team Marrano's living under your roof, how hard can it be !!!

Happily give you a hand on weekend if you want, I reckon we could knock it over in a about 2 hours.

The problem is, Sonny's shop is so busy, I never see him !!!!

Seeing as Scotty and I are both project managers, we can take the photos and drink the beer, while we watch you fit the thing. :nana:

Cheers,

Scott

[DaveHAT]

I have to do this mod myself at somestage.

With that writeup, even I am tempted to have a go at it :eyes:

Thats a great effort, well done Nick and Scotty.

Very cheap insurance too, I might add.

Cheers,

Scott

Do it Scott, as Nick and Scotty have proven it's relatively easy ... even I managed to do it solo without too many arse ups. :lol:

Easily done in your driveway with the ducks acting as supervisors.

Tip...when measuring the rubber lines from the steering rack to the cooler,

MEASURE TWICE CUT ONCE !!!!!!!! :headbang:

[Aeron]

Well, i'll be fitting a cooler to the SS tomorrow, following these instructions carefully. I'll let you know how I go :D

[firebug]

I am looking to fit an aftermarket auto cooler to my SS soon, might do the PS while I'm at it. I'll definately use this thread as a guide. Great job Scotty and Nick :thumbs: :bravo:

[Aeron]

I put the cooler in today. Here is a pic of it...

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i276/photosbyaeron/VX%20SS%20Commodore/powerSteerCooler1.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i276/photosbyaeron/VX%20SS%20Commodore/PowerSteerCooler2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i276/photosbyaeron/VX%20SS%20Commodore/PowerSteerCooler3.jpg

[NickS]

Perfect location Aeron ... nice job.

:bravo:

[L.B.]

Will be doing the same myself very soon,but thought it worthy to mention you blokes should be adding a Magnefine inline filter while installing these coolers.Extra extra insurance!
Have magnefine filters to go on both the p/s cooler & the tranny cooler.
http://www.magnefine.com.au/
There is a distributor right next door to Repco at Smithfield (nsw).
Anyone out of state wants some,pm me & I'll fix it up for you.

[taztassio]

nice little cooler you have there.

take a look at the ls1turbo.com mounting for their cooler, you could consider something similar!